Montreal Canadiens Acquire Jake Allen
The Montreal Canadiens have acquired another goaltender, nabbing Jake Allen from the St. Louis Blues. Allen comes to Montreal along with a 2022 seventh-round pick, while the Blues will receive a 2020 third-round selection (WSH) and a 2020 seventh-round pick (CHI). The Blues will not retain any of Allen’s $4.35MM cap hit for next season.
For the Blues, a deal like this immediately brings up speculation that the team is trying to clear cap space in order to re-sign Alex Pietrangelo. St. Louis carried nearly $9MM in cap hits from goaltenders this season after signing Jordan Binnington, a number that wasn’t tenable if they wanted to bring their superstar captain back. Pietrangelo is a pending UFA, but the team had already handed much of his $6.5MM salary off in extensions to Justin Faulk and Brayden Schenn.
Alternatively, the Canadiens will now have close to $15MM in cap hits from their goaltending tandem given Carey Price‘s $10.5MM price tag. That is an incredibly high amount, though getting an experienced backup for Price seemed like a top priority this offseason. The Canadiens have relied so heavily on the star netminder for the last few years that some believe his play was being hindered by overuse—Price led all goaltenders with 58 appearances in the shortened 2019-20 season. A fully rested Price showed in the playoffs exactly why he is still considered one of the best in the game; in ten appearances he recorded a .936 save percentage and helped carry Montreal through the qualification round.
Allen himself experienced a resurgence in 2019-20 after two down years in St. Louis. Playing second fiddle to Binnington, he recorded a .927 save percentage in 24 appearances, the best performance of his career. By the time the playoffs rolled around, he ended up taking over in net and posted a .935 in five appearances.
The Canadiens also have cap space to spare as they rely more and more on their young talent to carry the roster. Max Domi and Victor Mete are the only pending restricted free agents that are set to get substantial raises and at least the former has had some trade speculation surrounding him lately anyway. There will be some bigger deals to be made with names like Brendan Gallagher and Phillip Danault to start the 2021-22 season, but by then Allen’s current cap hit will be off the books.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the deal is that one of the goaltenders expected to be on the market is now gone, meaning teams that are scrambling for a starter this summer will have one fewer to choose from. Allen could have been a replacement in places like Dallas or Edmonton who could see one half of their tandem leave in free agency. The Blues also add a third-round pick as they shed salary, a nice little prize even though it was unlikely Allen could stay.
The Blues will likely hand the crease back to Binnington for next season with Ville Husso a candidate to serve as backup, but it doesn’t come without risk. The 27-year old Binnington could not recapture the magic that helped lead St. Louis to a Stanley Cup in 2019 and recorded just a .912 save percentage in the regular season. His playoff performance was brutal, going 0-5 with an .851 before Allen took over. If he can’t find his game, the Blues may be in trouble next season. With that in mind, St. Louis could be a contender to bring in a more experienced backup this offseason, but they would have to come considerably cheaper than Allen’s current cap hit.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Detroit Red Wings Loan Filip Larsson To Almtuna
Filip Larsson is the latest Detroit Red Wings prospect to head overseas, loaned today to Almtuna of the Swedish second league. He follows names like Mathias Brome, Moritz Seider, Gustav Lindstrom, Filip Hronek, and Filip Zadina as they prepare for the 2020-21 season with a few months in Europe.
Larsson, 22, has had quite an interesting path so far in his hockey career. Born and raised in Sweden, he decided to come to North America for the 2017-18 season and play in the USHL with the Tri-City Storm. A league-leading .941 save percentage and 1.65 goals-against average landed him Goaltender of the Year honors with the Storm, while also helping Sweden’s World Junior team take home a silver medal at the World Juniors. Following that outstanding North American debut, Larsson took his talents to the NCAA and played for the University of Denver. A .932 save percentage for the Pioneers earned him All-Rookie honors in the NCHC and obviously opened Detroit’s eyes even more.
The Red Wings signed Larsson soon after his freshman season came to an end and put him into the minor league system. Unfortunately, things didn’t go quite as well in professional hockey. Larsson struggled with injury and inconsistency, leading to just an .843 save percentage at the AHL level. That was in just seven games however as he played more often in the ECHL.
Even though 2019-20 didn’t go according to plan, Larsson remains a top goaltending prospect for the Red Wings and one to watch closely as the year progresses. He’ll need playing time and it’s not clear when the AHL season will actually get underway. For now, he’ll have to try and secure the crease in Sweden before getting a chance back in North America.
Pittsburgh Penguins Hire Todd Reirden, Mike Vellucci
The Pittsburgh Penguins have found a pair of names to replace the outgoing assistant coaches and both come with considerable experience. Todd Reirden and Mike Vellucci will be the new assistants for head coach Mike Sullivan, while goaltending coach Mike Buckley has also received a two-year extension. Penguins GM Jim Rutherford, who recently fired Jacques Martin, Sergei Gonchar and Mark Recchi, released the following statement on the move:
I am pleased to add Todd and Mike to our coaching staff, and believe they will compliment Mike Sullivan‘s coaching style. Todd is a Stanley Cup winning coach with a decade of NHL experience as both an assistant and head coach. Mike brings championship experience at both the AHL and OHL level, and is very familiar with how we function as an organization.
Reirden will be responsible for the team’s defensive group and power play unit, while Vellucci will oversee the forwards and penalty kill.
Both men come with considerable experience with the other members of the organization. Reirden, who was recently removed as head coach of the Washington Captials, spent four seasons as an assistant with the Penguins between 2010-2014. Those years followed a stint as head coach of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Pittsburgh’s AHL affiliate.
Vellucci has that same connection, having served as head coach (and GM) of the baby-Penguins in 2019-20. That’s not where his experience with Rutherford ends, however. In fact, if you go back through Vellucci’s career in hockey, Rutherford is almost everywhere. Before he joined WBS, the 54-year old Vellucci was with the Carolina Hurricanes organization, where he served as assistant GM, head coach of the AHL affiliate and director of hockey operations. He was hired for that job just after Rutherford departed, but it was because of the long connection he had with him and then-Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos. Karmanos also owned the Plymouth Whalers of the OHL, which Rutherford oversaw and Vellucci served as head coach and GM. Even before that the two were intertwined, meaning Vellucci comes as no surprise on the bench for Pittsburgh this season.
Because of the promotion for Vellucci, the Penguins have begun a search for the next head coach of their AHL affiliate.
Carl Grundstrom Signs With Los Angeles Kings
After inking Austin Wagner to an extension earlier today, the Los Angeles Kings have reached an agreement with another one of their pending restricted free agents. Carl Grundstrom has a new two-year contract that carries a $725K cap hit. The contract is two-way next season and one-way in 2021-22.
Grundstrom, 22, is on the cusp of becoming a full-time member of the Kings, after arriving in Los Angeles by trade in 2019. A second-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs, he was a key part of the return for Jake Muzzin and has played 28 games over the last two seasons with the Kings. In that time he’s scored ten points, mixing in a penchant for goal scoring with a strong physical presence.
With a new two-year, minimum-salary contract, Grundstrom becomes an attractive option for the Kings should they decide to spend cap space elsewhere. He could be a fourth-line player for the team as soon as the 2020-21 season, or serve as important depth as an extra forward.
It will be interesting to see if the team decides to try and sneak him through waivers, as Grundstrom will be eligible for the first time in 2020-21. That could secure him an NHL roster spot immediately, especially with this inexpensive contract.
Tim Soderlund Loaned To Almtuna
The Chicago Blackhawks have loaned another young player overseas, sending Tim Soderlund to Almtuna IS of the Swedish second league. Soderlund is coming off his first year in North America after signing his entry-level contract in 2019.
Now 22, Soderlund was a fourth-round pick from 2017 that has always been an interesting prospect because of his blazing speed. Before coming to the Rockford IceHogs for this season, he played two full years at the SHL level, also suiting up twice for Sweden at the World Juniors (winning silver in 2018).
The 5’9″ forward scored just three points in 29 games for Rockford, but could be back for his sophomore season if the Blackhawks feel it necessary. Of course, it’s not exactly clear when the AHL season will begin, meaning Soderlund will have to focus on his game overseas for now.
Joni Tuulola Signs In Finland
When the Chicago Blackhawks go to sign their restricted free agents this offseason, they’ll have to convince at least one to return from Europe. Joni Tuulola has signed a one-year deal with KooKoo in Finland, but the deal includes an NHL out-clause should he reach a new agreement in North America.
Tuulola, 24, has spent the last two seasons with the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL, recording 22 points in 110 games. The 6’3″ defenseman was a sixth-round pick of the Blackhawks in 2015 and was part of the 2016 gold medal-winning Finnish team at the World Juniors.
As his entry-level deal is just coming to an end, Tuulola is scheduled to be an RFA this offseason and is arbitration-eligible. In order to retain his rights, the Blackhawks would need to extend him a qualifying offer. For now, he’ll spend his days playing in Europe and continuing his development.
Coaching Notes: Reirden, Ellis, Kim
Todd Reirden may not have to wait very long for his next coaching gig after being fired by the Washington Capitals. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet wrote over the weekend that Reirden is a possibility for both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Florida Panthers as an assistant.
Reirden, of course, spent several years as an assistant with the Penguins before joining Washington after being the head coach of their AHL affiliate. His familiarity with the organization is obviously a factor, though Friedman notes that taking an assistant role would be “pending any head coaching jobs he pursues.” Reirden posted an 89-46-16 record over his two years behind the Capitals bench but was ousted in the first round of the playoffs both times.
- Former Buffalo Sabres forward Matt Ellis has been hired by the organization as their new director of player development. Ellis has been a head coach of the Buffalo Jr. Sabres and played 286 of his 356 career NHL games for the franchise. Undrafted, Ellis became one of the most respected leaders in the minor leagues, serving as captain on three different teams.
- The Toronto Maple Leafs have hired Sam Kim as their new video and coaching coordinator, taking him away from the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL. Kim has previously served as a video coach for South Korea’s national team, as well as—amazingly—the New York Islanders mascot. The Maple Leafs have retained the services of Jordan Bean, but changed his title from video coordinator to statistical analyst.
Los Angeles Kings Extend Austin Wagner
The Los Angeles Kings have obviously been impressed with Austin Wagner over the last two years and have decided to reward him. The team has announced a three-year contract extension for the 23-year old which will carry an average annual value of $1.133MM. Wagner was scheduled to become a restricted free agent this offseason when his entry-level contract expired.
While the deal provides Wagner with some stability, it also represents a chance for huge excess value in the Kings eyes. Wagner has only registered 32 points in 127 NHL games but possesses blazing speed that represents a tantalizing weapon for Los Angeles.
A little over a year ago, Wagner expressed his desire and belief that he can become a perennial 20+ goal scorer for the Kings if he keeps working hard with the development staff. Those comments were followed by just a six-goal campaign (in 65 games) but were actually some marked signs of improvement. Wagner generated nearly twice as many shots on goal as the year prior while increasing his average ice time to nearly 12 minutes.
The Kings obviously still believe in the young forward, who only turned 23 in June and can provide some value on the defensive end even when he isn’t scoring.
Patrik Laine Drawing Trade Speculation
The Winnipeg Jets looked like they might be primed for a long playoff run when things returned this summer, given their Vezina-finalist goaltender and deep offensive attack. Then, partway through the first game against the Calgary Flames, disaster struck. After just three shifts, Mark Scheifele was down. Writhing in pain after a collision with Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk, the Jets quickly lost their most important forward and a huge part of their leadership group.
Later that game, that offensive depth was tested once again as Laine exited with a hand injury. Suddenly, the Jets didn’t look quite as deep or dangerous and it quickly showed on the scoresheet. The team bowed out in the qualification round while scoring just six goals in four games.
Now, after such a disappointing—perhaps unlucky—five-game series, speculation is running rampant over what the Jets will do this summer. It’s no secret that they need to upgrade a defense corps that lost Jacob Trouba, Dustin Byfuglien and Tyler Myers all in one offseason, but how exactly will they address that underperforming offense?
That question apparently leads to Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers, who both find themselves on Frank Seravalli’s Trade Bait board for TSN. The scribe even writes that Laine is “expected to be in play this offseason” as the Jets fix other issues on the roster. The sniper lands fifth on his board, while Ehlers comes in at 12.
It’s not the first time that Laine trade speculation has emerged. Last fall, the talented forward was quoted in Finland saying that he didn’t feel he was playing with the best players on Winnipeg’s roster. That distraction was quickly quashed by the team’s leadership group, but given how inconsistent Laine’s play has been, these questions were bound to surface again.
When he first debuted in the NHL as an 18-year old, it seemed nothing could stop the second-overall pick. Laine scored in his first game and had two hat tricks in his first month as an NHLer. He’d finish with 36 goals and 64 points in just 73 games as a rookie, coming second in Calder Trophy voting behind only Auston Matthews. The next season was even better, with Laine leading the league in powerplay goals and finishing with 44 tallies in all situations. Winnipeg had found the next Finnish Flash, able to score from anywhere on the ice.
But then came 2018-19, when Laine took a considerable step backward. He scored 21 times in his first 24 games, including a five-goal output against the St. Louis Blues in late November, but recorded just three assists over that stretch. Starting in December, he scored just four goals and nine points over his next 36 games and was dropped further and further down the lineup as his overall game suffered. He’d finish with just nine goals in the 58 games from December on, despite still averaging more than 17 minutes a night.
While he rebounded this year with a much better overall performance, speculation about his future in Winnipeg has not disappeared. Part of that also has to do with the fact that his current contract, a two-year bridge deal he signed in 2019, expires after the 2020-21 season. Laine currently carries a $6.75MM cap hit but will earn $7.5MM of the deal next season, after which he’ll be an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent.
Seravalli writes that it’s not “a lock” that Laine will be traded, which is obvious given his immense talent and relative youth. But if big changes are coming in Winnipeg, his name will always be at the center of any speculation.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Vladislav Kamenev Signs In KHL
Even while the Colorado Avalanche scratch and claw for their playoff lives, one of their young players has decided to leave the organization. Adrian Dater of Colorado Hockey Now reports that Vladislav Kamenev has signed a two-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL.
Kamenev is not currently in the bubble with the Avalanche after failing to be placed on the expanded roster. Dater reports that a positive COVID-19 test was partly responsible for that decision.
Part of the huge Matt Duchene trade in 2017 that also brought Samuel Girard and Shane Bowers to Colorado, Kamenev has been cursed ever since arriving. He broke his wrist after just eight shifts in his first game as an Avalanche and has dealt with other injuries in the years since. Overall, the 24-year old has played just 66 games in the NHL, recording 13 points.
Selected 42nd overall by the Nashville Predators in 2014, Kamenev has shown an ability to be a two-way force down the middle at the minor league level. Now a pending restricted free agent, he’ll take his talents back to Russia to try and get his career back on track. The Avalanche will be able to retain his rights with a qualifying offer.